Funds are running low – any cheap nutrition fixes?
Step away from the instant noodles. ‘Tinned fish like sardines, mackerel, pilchards and tuna are cheaper than fresh versions, but just as nutritious,’ shares registered dietitian Tai Ibitoye. ‘All of which are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.’ As for your five-a-day, she recommends you turn to the freezer. ‘Frozen fruit and veg are cheaper than fresh versions and have similar nutritional values, as nutrients are sealed in during the freezing process.’ Not that veg is all your freezer’s good for, mind. ‘Sliced bread can be toasted straight from the freezer and it’s a great source of iron, B vitamins, calcium and carbohydrates.’ If sardines on toast with a fruit smoothie chaser isn’t doing it for you, can we interest you in a chilli? Rice and beans are easy on the debit card and, when mixed together, serve as a complete protein source. Combining a few different types (kidney, cannellini) will also nudge you nicely towards your target of 30 different fruits and vegetables per week.